By Duchess Ifeoluwa
Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Friday commissioned a new 20-bedded, one-storey residential facility for house officers at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex (UNIMEDTH), Akure, describing it as a milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the donor of the building, Chief Sunday Owoyemi, for what he called an exemplary gesture that reflects the spirit of partnership, philanthropy and collective responsibility.
He said the contribution aligns with his administration’s OUR EASE Agenda, which prioritises efficient healthcare and socio-economic welfare for the people of Ondo State.
The Governor reiterated that his administration has continued to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare since assumption of office.
He cited the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme, which has supported over 56,000 beneficiaries and recorded more than 19,000 safe deliveries, and the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS), which has catered for more than 105,000 enrollees across formal and informal sectors.
On infrastructure, Aiyedatiwa revealed that a new 250-bedded hospital complex at UNIMEDTH, Akure, is already 93 percent complete, while five state hospitals have benefitted from modern facilities under the Hospital Intervention Programme.
He also disclosed that the Ondo State Emergency Medical Services Agency is being revitalised, with approval granted for the reactivation of the Emergency Call Centre in Ondo and the procurement of additional ambulances.
The Governor further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Teaching Hospital, describing it as a transformative project that will revolutionise healthcare, research, training and job creation in the state.
Addressing the relevance of the new house officers’ building, Aiyedatiwa said it would boost the morale of young medical professionals and serve as a deliberate intervention against the challenge of brain drain.
“This building will help improve the welfare, morale and productivity of our young doctors, at a time when Nigeria grapples with the challenge of brain drain, or what is commonly called japa syndrome. An investment like this is a deliberate effort to retain talent, attract new professionals and reassure our medical personnel that Ondo State is a place to serve with pride,” he stated.
The Governor charged the new residents to use the facility as a hub for excellence in medical practice.
The commissioning was witnessed by top government officials including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka; and Chairman of the State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Victor Olusegun Ategbole.
Also present were the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, and other dignitaries.
